What are two things I that I really love about Tucson? The Santa Cruz River and the amazing bike paths we have along the river and its tributaries. This year, I wanted to combine those loves with a third love: BIRDS!

My plan for Birdathon 2022 is to do a Big Day entirely on bicycle and entirely along the Santa Cruz River in Tucson and Marana. I'll bike approximately 30 miles along Pima County's Loop Trail from Valencia Road in south Tucson to Sanders Road in Marana, stopping at key locations along the river and enjoying the birds. My ambitious goal is to see at least 80 species on Thursday May 5th. Tucson Audubon is doing some important restoration work along several parts of the river, so I will highlight those locations in my Big Day ride and bird as well. I hope my participation in Birdathon 2022 will shine even more light on the historically mistreated, but rapidly revitalizing, Santa Cruz River! The river gave life to the city, so it's time that we help bring life back to the river. 

And for those of you who know me, I won't be able to 100% focus on birds. I'll also keep my eye out for interesting dragonflies and damselflies, turtles, fishes, garter snakes, plants, and more along the river. And I am thrilled to be able to raise funds for a fantastic organization (Tucson Audubon) while also enjoying some of Tucson's greatest amenities. You can join me in supporting the important work that Tucson Audubon does by making a flat pledge in support of my Big Day or also making pledges by species counts or types of birds, to spur my searching and watching even more. Thank you for your support! 

UPDATE:

I had a fantastic biking and birding adventure on Thursday May 5th! I started at 615am on the Santa Cruz River at Sanders Road in Marana and biked and birded my way south, making 8 stops, until I reached Valencia Road along the Santa Cruz River in south Tucson at 7pm. It was a very warm day, peaking in the mid-90's F, but the birds stayed active in the cool riparian area. Although I missed the peak of migration along the river, I did meet my goal and observed a total of 81 bird species in one day along the river only traveling by bicycle!! Some of my highlights were a Crested Caracara and an Indigo Bunting on the river in Marana and the return of the Virginia Rail to the Santa Cruz River Heritage Project downtown.

Thanks to all of you who supported this Birdathon -- I'll be sending you a detailed report and travelogue soon!

Pledges:

• Linda McNulty: $1/bird species
• Polly Weber: $10/bird species and $5 for every duck sighted
• Bonita Bogan: $2/bird species
• Lacey Greene: $1/bird species
• Cheryl & Gary Hunter Houser: $2.50/bird species
• Karen Hollish: $1/bird species;  Have a great day, Michael! Dave and I are rooting for you.
• Elizabeth Dellaha: $2/bird species and an extra $1 for any hummingbird cuties you see out there!

Birds have a unique, special, and different meaning to each of us. So, too, is each of our connection with Tucson Audubon Society personal and distinct. During Birdathon, we combine the love of bird watching during spring migration with support for bird conservation.

Birdathoners are birders and social fundraisers, joining together to make a difference for the birds and habitats of Southeast Arizona. Birdathoners continue a tradition that has held strong for over 30 years! 

Each Birdathoner's personal network of supporters is what helps makes Birdathon possible. 

Birdathon donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. Tucson Audubon Society is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.

Supporting a team by writing a check?

• Make checks payable to: Tucson Audubon Society
• Write the team name on memo line
• Mail to: 
  Tucson Audubon Society
  PO Box 91770
  Tucson, AZ 85752

REGISTER YOUR OWN TEAM HERE
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